Hearing a diagnosis like pulmonary hypertension can feel overwhelming. It’s a lot to take in. This condition involves high blood pressure specifically in the arteries of your lungs, which makes your heart work much harder. One of the tools we have to help manage this is a medication called Bosentan, which you might also know by the brand name Tracleer. Our goal with this treatment is to help ease the strain on your heart and lungs, making it easier for you to breathe and be more active.
What Exactly is Bosentan?
Think of Bosentan as a medication that helps relax the blood vessels in your lungs. By widening these vessels, it lowers the pressure and allows blood to flow more easily. This can lead to real improvements in your daily life, like being able to walk further or climb stairs with less shortness of breath.
It’s a specialized medicine, and it’s important we work together to make sure it’s the right and safe choice for you or your child.
The Conversation We Need to Have First
Before we start any new medication, it’s crucial we have a completely open conversation. I need you to tell me about your health history, especially if you’ve ever had:
- Liver disease. This is very important, as Bosentan can affect the liver.
- Phenylketonuria (PKU). Some forms of this medication contain aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine. We need to be aware of this.
- Any allergic reactions to Bosentan, other drugs, foods, or dyes.
- If you are breast-feeding.
A critical note on pregnancy: This medication can cause serious birth defects. If you are able to become pregnant, we must discuss reliable birth control methods. If you’re thinking about pregnancy or think you might be pregnant, we need to talk right away.
How to Take This Medication Correctly
This medication is often prescribed as a “dispersible tablet,” which means it’s a bit fragile and needs to be handled with care.
- Take it at the same time each day. Consistency is key. You can take it with or without food, but if it bothers your stomach, try taking it with a small meal.
- Handle with dry hands. Keep the tablet in its sealed pack until you’re ready. Don’t try to push it through the foil. Instead, peel back the foil and gently remove the tablet.
- If it crumbles, don’t use it. Just discard that piece and get a new tablet.
- For children: This medicine can be prescribed for kids as young as 3. We’ll give you very specific instructions on dosing, which is often based on weight. Always follow those directions carefully.
A special MedGuide comes with each prescription. Please take a moment to read it each time you get a refill, as it contains important safety information. And if you miss a dose? Just take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Don’t ever take a double dose.
Important Safety Information for Bosentan
While you’re taking Bosentan, we’ll need to see you for regular check-ups. This will include regular blood tests to monitor your liver function and check for anemia. It’s a standard part of keeping you safe on this medication.
Some medications just don’t mix well with Bosentan. It’s vital you give us a full list of everything you take—prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, herbs, and supplements.
| Interaction Level | Medications of Concern |
|---|---|
| Do NOT Take With Bosentan |
|
| Use with Caution & Discuss With Us |
|
Watching for Side Effects
Like any medicine, Bosentan can have side effects. We need you to be aware of what to look for.
| Symptom | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Call Your Doctor’s Office Immediately If You Experience… | |
| Signs of liver problems: Dark urine, feeling sick like you have the flu, loss of appetite, pain in your upper right belly, yellowing skin or eyes. | Contact us right away. This is why we do regular blood tests. |
| Serious skin reactions: A new rash (especially if red or purple) with fever or swollen lymph nodes, or a rash that blisters or peels. | This can be serious. Call us immediately. |
| Allergic reaction: Skin rash, hives, swelling of your face, lips, or tongue, trouble breathing. | Seek emergency medical care. |
| Fluid retention: Swelling in your ankles, feet, or hands. | Let us know, as we may need to adjust things. |
| Signs of low blood pressure: Dizziness, feeling faint, unusual weakness. | Call our office to report these symptoms. |
| Less Urgent Side Effects | |
| Facial flushing, headache, joint pain, or a sore throat. | These are more common. Let us know if they continue or become very bothersome. |
Take-Home Message
- Bosentan is a key medication for treating pulmonary hypertension, helping to improve breathing and exercise capacity.
- It requires careful handling and consistent daily dosing.
- Regular blood tests are not optional; they are essential for monitoring your liver and blood counts to keep you safe.
- This drug can cause severe birth defects. Reliable contraception is a must if you can become pregnant.
- Always tell us about any new symptoms, especially signs of liver problems, serious rashes, or swelling.
- Keep an updated list of all your medications to prevent dangerous interactions with Bosentan.
Navigating a chronic condition is a journey, and you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to answer your questions and walk this path with you, every step of the way.